Cannabis Addiction Treatment - Priory Group

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Cannabis addiction treatment

Cannabis, also known as marijuana or weed, is a widely used recreational drug that can lead to dependency with heavy use. However, with the right support, you can recover from cannabis addiction. Start recovery Further reading: Signs and symptoms Addiction assessment Withdrawal and detox Aftercare Statistics Call for support Call Us Tap on a number to callAddiction treatment enquiries Call 0330 056 6023 Page last updated: Monday, 20 January 2025Written by: Lottie StoreyMental health & addictions writer and therapistClinically reviewed by: Dr William ShanahanMedical Director (Private) and Clinical Director of Addictions at Priory Hospital Roehampton

In the year to March 2024, 2.3 million people in the UK reported using cannabis. Cannabis addiction is a growing concern, with many people underestimating its potential to lead to dependency. While it’s often viewed as a harmless recreational drug, using weed frequently can result in addiction, impacting both your mental and physical health.

Personalised rehab programmes offer the tools and guidance you need to break free from dependency and rebuild a healthier, more fulfilling life.

How marijuana addiction is treated

Professional cannabis addiction treatment can provide the support you need to break free from dependency. It offers a safe, structured space to explore the underlying causes of your cannabis use and develop strategies to support lasting recovery.

Detox

Detox isn’t always necessary for cannabis addiction but it can help you to manage any withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, insomnia or mood swings. The detoxification process takes place in a medically assisted environment, and removes all traces of cannabis from your body, creating a solid foundation for the next stage in your recovery journey.

Therapeutic interventions

Therapeutic interventions can help you to manage your cravings, resolve deeper mental health concerns and restore balance to your life.

• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT): CBT is effective for weed addiction as it helps you to identify and reframe negative thought patterns that led to your substance use. CBT equips you to handle stress, trauma or depression in new ways, without relying on weed
• Group therapy: Group therapy offers peer support, reduces isolation and encourages consistency in recovery. Sharing strategies for managing cravings and staying motivated are key benefits
• Family support: Family support sessions explore the impact that cannabis misuse can have on loved ones. They help repair trust and equip families with the tools to provide effective support

Treatment plans

We offer a range of treatment options for cannabis addiction, tailored to your needs and the level of support that's most appropriate for you.

These options include more intensive support, such as inpatient care, where you stay in a safe and structured environment, as well as flexible formats like day care, outpatient therapy or online support, which allow you to continue living at home while attending regular sessions.

We offer a free addiction assessment, which will help us to determine the best treatment pathway for your recovery.

Cannabis addiction treatment at Priory gives you the chance to focus on your recovery with the support of experienced professionals. Whether you're receiving more intensive support or a flexible programme that fits around your life, you'll benefit from expert care, tailored treatment and a safe, non-judgemental environment. This can make a significant difference to your long-term recovery, especially if you’ve been struggling to make progress on your own.

At Priory, you can expect: 

• Personalised treatment plans designed to address the physical, emotional and social aspects of your addiction
• Access to experienced therapists and evidence-based treatments
• Continuity of care, with many of our programmes offering support beyond the initial recovery phase

Rehab also helps treat any co-occurring mental health issues and lifestyle factors that may be contributing to your dependency.

You can find out more about our cannabis addiction treatment options - including programme formats, settings and pricing - on our dedicated addiction services page.Discover Priory's new addiction services

New: Priory addiction services

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to addiction recovery. Whether you're just beginning your journey or looking for ongoing support, Priory offers a diverse range of specialist programmes to meet your needs whether:

• You're seeking treatment for the first time
• You need a safe, medically supported detox
• You need intensive inpatient treatment, with round-the-clock support
• You need something flexible or remote
• You want help after leaving rehab

View all services

Signs you might need cannabis rehab

There are several key signs that suggest you might need support for your cannabis use. Cannabis addiction symptoms can be physical, psychological and behavioural/social, and could include:

• Using cannabis to cope with stress or emotions, or prioritising it over responsibilities
• Frequent cannabis use, despite harmful consequences
• Developing a tolerance to cannabis or experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you’re not taking it
• Changes in appetite, disrupted sleep patterns or fatigue
• Increased anxiety, paranoia or lack of motivation

The link between cannabis and other drugs

Cannabis use is frequently linked to the use of other substances. For some people, cannabis acts as a gateway drug, increasing the likelihood of them experimenting with or becoming dependent on more harmful substances such as cocaine, opioids or amphetamines.

Polydrug addictions (becoming addicted to more than one drug) can be an issue for cannabis users. Combining cannabis with other drugs can amplify its effects, as well as significantly increasing health risks such as overdose, mental health deterioration and severe dependency. Using cannabis alongside alcohol, prescription medications or illegal drugs may worsen withdrawal symptoms and complicate recovery.

Private addiction treatment at Priory addresses these challenges by tailoring treatment plans to manage multiple dependencies. Our experienced addiction specialists will assess your substance use history to develop treatment strategies that address all dependencies. Therapy focuses on understanding the interconnection between these addictions, identifying triggers and building resilience, to prevent relapse.

Private treatment at Priory

Choosing private treatment at Priory offers several advantages:

• Fast access: begin treatment without long waiting times
• Tailored treatment plans: personalised to address all aspects of addiction
• Expert care: access to leading specialists in addiction and mental healthcare

Treatment can be funded through private health insurance (PMI) or self-funding. Many PMI providers do cover our addiction treatment services, but what's included can vary depending on your policy. The best thing to do is check with your insurer, or simply give us a call – our team will be happy to help you understand your options.

A free initial assessment allows you to explore the most appropriate options for you.

Free treatment options

Free addiction treatment can be accessed through public and charitable organisations. These include:

• GP referral: GPs can assess your situation and refer you to local addiction services or mental health teams
• Charitable organisations: groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or other charities provide support groups and counselling
• NHS services: the NHS offers addiction programmes, though these often involve longer waiting times and less personalised care

Whether choosing private or free options, seeking professional help is a vital step toward recovery.

FAQs

Discover some commonly asked questions about private cannabis rehab.

Do I need detox to quit cannabis?

Detox may not be necessary for every user, but it can be helpful for managing withdrawal symptoms.

How long does marijuana rehab take?

The length of your cannabis addiction treatment will depend on your personal situation. At Priory, we provide a range of options – from short-term detox programmes to longer inpatient stays and flexible outpatient therapy. During your free addiction assessment, we’ll work with you to understand your needs and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan to support your recovery.

Can I work or study while undergoing rehab?

Inpatient rehab involves staying with us on a residential basis, so you’ll need to take time away from work and other commitments during your stay. However, we also offer more flexible options – such as outpatient therapy, day care or structured online support – which allow you to continue managing certain day-to-day responsibilities alongside your treatment.

What if I also have other addictions or mental health issues?

Priory provides comprehensive care to address co-occurring conditions alongside cannabis addiction.

Is rehab confidential?

Yes, all treatment at Priory is conducted with the highest level of confidentiality to protect your privacy.

Further information

Drug rehab

Symptoms of cannabis addiction

How long does weed (marijuana) stay in your system?

Cannabis use fuelling rise in psychosis among young adults, says top Priory expert

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